The police command in Akwa Ibom on Sunday said it raided identified criminal black spots within Ibaka fishing port and arrested 23 suspects.

The state police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said in a statement that during the raid, operatives recovered large quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs and other criminal exhibits.

Ms John said that, based on credible information, the command carried out a strategic night operation targeting criminal hideouts in the Ibaka axis on February 5 and 6, which led to arrests.

“During the raid, operatives searched several identified black spots at the Ibaka Fishing Port, leading to the arrest of the 23 suspects.

“Exhibits recovered during the operation included large commercial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and chemically enhanced variants of suspected Indian hemp.

“Other exhibits recovered were illicit locally brewed drinks and containers and devices used for inhaling hard drugs,” she said.

The police spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities and to identify other individuals connected to the drug network operating within the area.

The PPRO assured members of the public that the Ibaka axis remains calm, with enhanced patrols and surveillance in place to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities.

She reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance against drug abuse, trafficking, and criminality.

The spokesperson assured that sustained intelligence-led operations would continue across the state until all black spots were dismantled.

(NAN)